California Coalition for Worker Power: Weaving Together A Movement August 6, 2024 In May, more than 300 workers, union and worker rights leaders from across California gathered on the UC Davis campus for a first-of-its kind “Worker Power Assembly.” The two-day event provided participants with an opportunity to come together to discuss common challenges and strategize about how to build worker power in the state. “What a … Continue reading California Coalition for Worker Power: Weaving Together A Movement
Strategies to embed racial equity in foundation talent systems July 31, 2024 In this installment in our blog series about Irvine’s work to advance racial equity, I’m excited to share some efforts and lessons learned as we put equity more at the center of our Talent function. From our compensation practices to professional development, we are critically examining our processes through an equity lens and making deliberate … Continue reading Strategies to embed racial equity in foundation talent systems
AI and the future of workers July 24, 2024 Too much of the talk about the future of work fails to acknowledge what that means for workers — and the critical need for employees to have the power to shape that future. That’s the start of a piece I wrote for the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work series. I was honored that they asked … Continue reading AI and the future of workers
The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approves $11 million in grants on June 27, 2024 July 1, 2024 The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approved five grants totaling $11 million last week. The Foundation also provided $6.98 million in grants this quarter that did not require board approval. The grants primarily support the Foundation’s four initiatives focused on working Californians: Better Careers, Fair Work, Just Prosperity, and Priority Communities. More information about … Continue reading The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approves $11 million in grants on June 27, 2024
Fostering Black Prosperity: A Q&A with Destination Crenshaw and Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce June 19, 2024 In honor of Juneteenth, we are excited to spotlight two leaders from some of the Black-led and -serving organizations with which we are grateful to partner. We spoke to Jason Foster, President and COO of Destination Crenshaw, and Dr. Cassandra Little Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO of the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, about … Continue reading Fostering Black Prosperity: A Q&A with Destination Crenshaw and Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce
Commemorating Pride Month with Irvine Program Officer, Virdiana Vélez June 3, 2024 The Irvine Foundation is fortunate to have talented staff with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and we want to introduce some of our colleagues to you. We spoke with Virdiana Vélez, Irvine’s Program Officer, about how her identity and life experiences fueled her commitment to creating change, what she wishes people understood about LGBTQ+ individuals, … Continue reading Commemorating Pride Month with Irvine Program Officer, Virdiana Vélez
Irvine Program Associate Cathia Lan reflects on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month May 22, 2024 The Irvine Foundation is fortunate to have talented staff with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and we want to introduce some of our colleagues to you. We spoke with Cathia Lan, Irvine’s Program Associate, about why AANHPI Heritage Month marks her journey of reclaiming her roots, how her life experiences fortified her commitment to social … Continue reading Irvine Program Associate Cathia Lan reflects on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month
How Asian American Futures, AAPI FORCE-EF, and VietRISE are using narrative change to drive civic engagement May 13, 2024 Shruti Garg, Irvine Program Officer In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month, I’m thrilled to share perspectives from some of our AANPHI-led and -serving partners, who are working tirelessly to address their community’s unique needs, build civic and community power, and strive for racial equity for all communities. As … Continue reading How Asian American Futures, AAPI FORCE-EF, and VietRISE are using narrative change to drive civic engagement
California in an Election Year: Irvine Partners Reflect on Voter and Civic Engagement May 6, 2024 “So much is at stake.” That’s how Sabrina Smith describes the importance of the 2024 elections for working Californians, young people, and communities of color. As CEO of California Calls, Smith and her team partner with 30+ grassroots organizations across the state to mobilize people to participate in the democratic process. The stakes are high … Continue reading California in an Election Year: Irvine Partners Reflect on Voter and Civic Engagement
Irvine’s 2023 Grantee Perception Report April 16, 2024 In spring 2023, we partnered with the Center for Effective Philanthropy to undertake our latest Grantee Perception Report (GPR), a confidential survey of grantees that asks for feedback about our relationships with them, grantmaking processes, impact, and practices related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), including racial equity. The report also provides a benchmark comparison to … Continue reading Irvine’s 2023 Grantee Perception Report